Drivers are set to be without a filling station for five weeks in Cockermouth as Oakhurst Service Station while work continues on a £1.5 million redevelopment.

Signs at the garage state that it is due to close from November 9 until December 14, though it is understood the closure may be rescheduled.

The nearest filling station for Cockermouth residents during the closure will be Essex Garage at Dearham, more than six-and-a-half miles away, followed by Middlemoor Service Station at Stainburn, Workington, just over seven miles away.

Plans for the redevelopment were approved by Allerdale council in August last year.

Filling station owner Euro Garages wants it to become a gateway to the town.

Under the plans, the existing service station building off Lamplugh Road will be knocked down.

The development will include a new forecourt, pumps, underground tanks, a Spar convenience store with a Subway sandwich shop, a cash machine, a drive-through Starbucks coffee shop, a car wash and parking.

The service station currently employs about 12 people.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Euro Garages will be looking to temporarily close the Oakhurst site in the New Year while we invest £1.5m in its redevelopment.

"The new site, which will support 60 jobs, will benefit from our leading brand partnerships, with Esso fuel and a Spar convenience store along with Starbucks, Subway and Greggs outlets.

“Given petrol forecourt sites are often closed for nearly six to nine months while similar work is being completed, having the Oakhurst site closed for up to six weeks is a quick turnaround which will minimise disruption for both our staff and customers.

"Moreover, this is also in keeping with health and safety requirements as we are now working on the petroleum elements with fuel tanks, pumps and canopy.

“With regards to our existing site staff, we always aim to redeploy and offer an alternative site for them to work at while the forecourt work is being completed. All roles are safeguarded and there are no jobs at risk."